HLC - HOME LIVING: CENTRAL, Tuesday, September 23, 2008 3 Water wise Smeg's tall tank dishwasher is good news for consumers. Its 86cm tank is 4cm taller and it has a 14-place setting capacity (compared to the usual 12). The orbital wash system -- three wash arms and a multi-directional ceiling rose -- uses a small amount of water to produce an ultra-clean wash result. Details: www.smegappliances.com.au The Fisher & Paykel's AquaSmart requires very little water, very little energy and washes an average load in less than an hour. The new AquaSmart is a top loading washer and has a 4 star WELS water rating. Available at electrical outlets. These days, developments in dishwasher design such as the half load feature of Glem DW410 have removed the guilt factor in running a dishwasher. In the past, the dishwasher needed to be full to warrant the costs incurred to run a dishwasher. Details: Emilia Glem visit www.emiliaglem.com.au ................................................. Backyard offices - plan first For an increasing number of people the daily commute to work consists of a stroll down the garden path, Housing Industry Association executive director Graham Wolfe says. A combination of cutting-edge technology, congested peak-hour roads and soaring petrol prices means that working from home, on either a part or full-time basis, is finding favour with both employees and employers. However, setting up an office within the home means the loss of at least one room which, especially in smaller dwellings, may not be particularly convenient, Mr Wolfe says. And some telecommuters feel the need for a physical separation between home and work. ''One answer is the garden office -- physically separate yet a matter of seconds away,'' Mr Wolfe says. The first thing to do is to check with the relevant local authority to see what formalities you need to complete. An additional permanent structure will probably have to go through the planning and building permit process. There will be fewer problems if you are converting something already in existence, such as a potting shed or garage. Whatever the plan, there are many things to consider. The office will need to be insulated, with power, telecommunications, heating and cooling. You may want to connect it to water and waste utilities and take full advantage of natural light with plenty of windows. Finally, your garden office should be secure. After all, you will have valuable equipment there as well as data crucial to your livelihood. An alarm system is recommended and check your insurance covers the contents for all eventualities. Find an HIA professional convenient to you at www.tradebuild.com.au HOMELIVING Metropolitan Built-in Wardrobes Pty Ltd FREE MEASURE & QUOTE SHOWROOM OPEN 6 DAYS Mon- Fri 8.30am - 4.30pm Sat 8.30am - 1pm T: 9763 5899, F: 9763 5877 www.metropolitanwardrobes.com.au Unit 6, 1-15 Wentworth Rd Nth, Homebush (off Bellona Ave) 15 YEARS GUARANTEED 2186337i hln wk42 creatingbetterliving Clunies Ross Street, Prospect NSW 2148 Phone: 9840 2334 Email: massyd@boral.com.au Opening Hours Monday to Friday from 7:00am to 3:00pm and Saturday from 8:30am to 12:00 noon. A wide selection of bricks, blocks, pavers and retaining wall seconds is on sale for up to 40% off the recommended retail price! Visit www.boral.com.au/factoryoutlet • Timber verticals • Timber Venetians • Timber shutters The timeless look of natural timber blinds & verticals T. 9787 4484 3/433-435 Canterbury Rd, Campsie www.koalatimberverticalblinds.com.au Custom made Free quotes 2171045i hlc wk13 • 10 Year Warranty • Hail resistant • High performance natural light system • Leak proof • Absolute satisfaction Guaranteed www.solarbright.com.au 2047180i hlc wk13 We wont be beaten on price and quality SKYLIGHTS • 2 x Mirror doors • Wall to wall up to 2.4m wide • 1 x Single Hanging space • 1 x Draw unit (4 draws) + 3 shelving •1xShoerack • 1 x Double hanging space • 3 x mirror doors •Walltowallupto 3.6m wide Bankstown 9785 1425e Surcharge applies to Campbelltown area Wally's Wardrobe World 2098762i hls wk22 up to 2.4m wide up to 3.6m wide 2.4m high 2.4m high $570 inc GST $870 inc GST